Clay graduated with a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Montana in 2013. Pape’s entrance into the art world was marked by a deep-seeded urge to translate his evolving understanding of the surrounding landscape into objects of art. The landscape in Clay’s art went from representations made of pastel and acrylic to abstracted and reduced collages of tar, concrete, and ash. These paintings have evolved to include such materials as joint compound, wood glue, sand, asphalt, tar, glass, insulation foam, resin, etc. 

As his approach to material and subject evolved so too did Clay’s concern for and awareness of climate change and the intellectual and creative challenges that follow. Upon receiving a Watson scholarship his senior year at UM, Clay began researching environmental art of the past five decades, focusing on the social and political aspects of recent eco-art theory and practice. This line of inquiry continues to inform Clay’s painting as well as his performance art and other ongoing projects.  Full Bio

For more information or to purchase work please call 406-721-3154